THE DOMINION'S TRADE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8542, 24 March 1908, Page 5

THE DOMINION'S TRADE.

The? following letter has been received by Mr A. Seifert from Mr John Holmes, of Wellington, formerly Trade Commissioner to the New Zealand Government:—

" For some time past I have noticed with regret the steady decline in prices for g.f. hemp, which must be specially disappointing to your good s«lf,- who displayed such pluck and courage in the recent erection of a very valuable mill. Over and over again have I urged the advisability of appointing a qualified commercial representative whose duty would be to report upon existing markets and open new outlets, which, in my opinion, must continue .to be done if we arc to maintain our position a3 a fibre export country. Ever,- manufacturer or merchant has to employ histraveller to solicit and secure new customers-, otherwise he goes behind. What is true of the individual is true of a nation, and this applies with far stronger force to New Zealand, which is so far distant from the markets of the world.

" Looked at in the light of past experience, are we to wait for this investigation as we did in 1895-6, when the market fell to £10 per ton, and a total export for the year of 1800 tons only? I- know not. The value of the hemp trade is too big an asset to allow New Zealand to sit down and allow the trade to again diminish to such figures.

" After tho investigation I made in 1E97-8 the market continued to improve until we reached an export of over 27,000 tons, and fibre of g.f.a.q. reached over £30 f.o.b. During these prosperous times it was the duty of those engaged in this industry to still continue the effort I successfully made, which I feel certain would have averted a serious loss, not orly to the hemp millers, but to tho D< minion as a whole, for this industry employs more labour in proportion to its value * than any other of our exports. Taking; the average output of recent years, say, 25,000 tons per annum, the investigation to which I refer would bo covered by Is per ton —and yet nothing is done! " I know only too well some of the old weather-beaten arguments that will be advanced against my proposal. Pessimists generally condoinn, but are never willing or able to suggest a remedy. The old cry of "supply and demand" will bo raised, by which wo are too often lulled into sleep, to wake up as we did in 1f96 to find ourselves —like Othello —with our reputation gone, while Manila, sisal, r.nd Kentucky hemp have found increased outlets, duo entirely to the energetic and c >nstant of new markets.

" My long association with the export trade of New Zealand, and my special interest in the development of the fibre industry must be my excuse for thus addressing you. If I can bo of any service to your goodself or to any other miller, pray command me."